Austrian Audio OC16
- CKR ceramic capsule
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
Austrian Audio OC16 Review
We received this fantastic microphone from Austrian Audio for review, and in this post, we’re excited to share our thoughts. The standout feature of this mic is its impressive quality—both in build and sound—while still being offered at a price that’s affordable for everyone.
The Austrian Audio OC16 is the first in a line of open-condenser, large-diaphragm microphones. This design delivers an open, natural, and detailed sound with excellent versatility. The OC16 can handle a variety of instruments, including guitars, wind instruments, drum sets, and vocals. Not only does the OC16 provide great quality, but its versatility also makes it a perfect choice for capturing a wide range of sounds.
OC16 Packaging and Build
The OC16 comes in a well-designed, semi-soft padded bag that keeps the microphone safe during storage and transport. Inside the bag, you’ll find not only the microphone itself, but also a microphone clip and a sturdy mic spider, which securely holds the microphone when mounted on a stand.
You’ll also receive a quick start guide and a quality certificate. The certificate includes helpful links where you can register your product and receive a free extended warranty.
As for build quality, the microphone feels solid and dependable, featuring a black metal body and a durable silver grille—both adding to the microphone’s reassuringly safe and robust appearance.
Both the spider and the clip are high quality as well, holding the microphone firmly in place with no risk of it slipping or falling out over time. That’s an important detail that every user will appreciate.
OC16 Features
Like the brand’s first product, the OC18, the new OC16 uses the same CKR6 capsule, but comes with fewer features and a modified housing. The OC16 has a fixed cardioid pattern and a switchable high-pass filter, but it does not include a sensitivity pad for recording extremely loud sounds.
Inside the microphone, three elastic points support the CKR capsule. This design helps minimize structure-borne noise, allowing you to use the OC16 without a microphone spider.
With the OC16, you can choose between three high-pass filter settings: 0, 40, and 160 Hz. By comparison, the OC818 and OC18 offer an 80 Hz setting. The OC16 can also handle loud sound sources, thanks to its impressive 148 dB SPL range.
The microphone covers the standard human hearing frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Like most large condenser microphones, it requires 48V phantom power to operate.
OC16 Sound
The microphone delivers a really nice and flat sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Our tests confirmed this, and the frequency response chart from Austrian Audio backs it up. There’s a slight bump around 5kHz and again above 12kHz, which adds a noticeably crisp high end to the signal.
So, where should you use this mic? It’s pretty straightforward. I like to use it on sources where I typically boost the upper frequencies after recording—this mic naturally provides that brightness, with this feature built right in. It’s a real advantage!
In practice, vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, overheads, and brass sections all benefit from this mic. Just be careful not to overdo it in post-production, or you could end up with a recording that’s too bright.
If you take care with each step of the recording process, you’re well on your way to a great result. With minimal post-processing, your recording will meet industry standards and impress even the most experienced listeners.
- Cardioid condenser
- Austrian-made CKR6 capsule
- 20Hz – 20 Hz frequency response
- 40Hz and 160Hz high pass filter
- 14dB(A) self noise
- 148dB max SPL
- Comes with padded case, shock mount and clip
- Dimensions: 157 x 66 x 34 mm
- Weight: 335g
Why You Need the OC16 Microphone
If you’re looking for a microphone with a great high-end, versatile enough for many different sources, and won’t break the bank, this is the one for you. I guarantee you’ll love it!
Austrian Audio is a brand known for its high-quality microphones, and they’re making options for every budget—which is rare these days. They’re not just catering to high-end professional studios and industries.
We fully recommend this mic to everyone—whether you’re a professional or an amateur engineer. It will deliver excellent results that outshine many other models.
Conclusion
That wraps up our thoughts on this microphone. Austrian Audio has impressed us once again—this mic has become a trusted staple in our collection. I really enjoy using it and find myself reaching for it often.
If you have any other questions about our review, please feel free to leave a comment below or visit the official developer’s website for more detailed information. Until next time!
